Delphax Corydoras

A robust long-snouted Brochis with a pale grey-beige body patterned by dark spots and irregular blotches, including a stronger dark area near the dorsal fin. It can resemble several other spotted long-snouted species in the trade.

Identify this profile by the combination of a long-snouted profile, a dark dorsal saddle, and numerous spots over the head and body. Older sources commonly list this fish as Corydoras delphax; the current profile follows the accepted or revised placement Brochis delphax. Colour alone can be unreliable in stressed, juvenile, or poorly conditioned fish, so body shape, snout length, fin pattern, and provenance should also be checked.

Mature females are usually larger and fuller through the abdomen, while males remain slimmer. The difference is easiest to see from above, and juveniles should not be sexed by pattern alone.

Provide a larger bottom area than for small short-snouted corys, using fine sand, open foraging lanes, sturdy cover and clean, well-oxygenated water. Long-snouted forms probe deeply into the substrate and should not be kept over sharp or compacted gravel.

A peaceful but active social catfish that benefits from a broad floor and a substantial group. It spends long periods probing the substrate and may be more vigorous at feeding than smaller, round-snouted corys.

Keep at least 6 of the same species or coded population, with 8 or more preferred where space permits. A mixed collection of single corys does not fully replace a proper same-species group.

It is not territorial. Males may briefly chase one another or follow females during courtship, but sustained aggression is unusual when the group has adequate floor space.

Suitable with peaceful community fish and other calm bottom dwellers when the aquarium has ample floor space. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators and crowded mixtures of bottom feeders that compete for the same foraging area.

Soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water is suitable. Provide good oxygenation and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.

Offer substantial sinking pellets or granules plus varied frozen or live invertebrate foods. Long-snouted fish spend much of their time probing for buried food, but the substrate should not be allowed to collect uneaten material.

Feed after faster surface and midwater fish have taken their share, and confirm that every individual reaches food. Use small portions once or twice daily, remove persistent leftovers, and vary prepared and frozen or live foods.

Detailed aquarium breeding records are limited. It is expected to use the usual Corydoradinae T-position and attach adhesive eggs to firm surfaces, but triggers, egg output and fry requirements should not be presented as reliably established for this species.